Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The fog has mostly burned off and the sun is shining and it promises to be another warm day, this day before election day. I sent my absentee ballot in a couple weeks ago and was glad I had chosen that way to vote, since I needed a lot of time and help to figure out the amendments!
Saturday I saw a lot of fowl around Lynch Lake as I left for some errands. There were several moorhens, egrets, and leaving twin wakes across the lake, a couple small ducks paddling to the other side. It was a warm, sunny day. Yesterday I saw two anhingas, several turtles sunning on the bank of the weir, and a woodstork actually pecking for food along the canal. A flock of ibis took off flying in single file, and looking very beautiful. What wondrous sights are all around us if we only look! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:5 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.
We need not be embarrassed to ask God for the wisdom and direction we need. He will certainly give it if we ask him.
Colossians 3:16 Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Proverbs 1:23 Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, riviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
God's word is our most reliable source of wisdom and insight. It speaks to all situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 5, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Words from Paul
Good midday, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is another beautiful day with lots of sun and warming temps and very little wind. I should be out in it instead of in the house facing a load of laundry, but the day is not over yet...
My yard man came by yesterday and blew off the driveway, which was full of smashed acorns and twigs from the wind. He and his wife and kids had walked by Halloween and he noticed what a mess it was, so decided he had better do something about it. Now, if he could only do something about the flying cricket that is in the house...
I was at the park yesterday and enjoyed the peacefulness and the ibis and the egrets. The anhinga was back drying out the wings on the weir. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:6-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter.
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are
excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and
heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My yard man came by yesterday and blew off the driveway, which was full of smashed acorns and twigs from the wind. He and his wife and kids had walked by Halloween and he noticed what a mess it was, so decided he had better do something about it. Now, if he could only do something about the flying cricket that is in the house...
I was at the park yesterday and enjoyed the peacefulness and the ibis and the egrets. The anhinga was back drying out the wings on the weir. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:6-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter.
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are
excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and
heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Hunger for God
Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! And happy November first! It is kinda overcast and cool this morning, but I saw the sun a few minutes ago, I think. There is even rain predicted, but that may not be in this area. Whatever happens, we are blessed not to have the cleanup going on in the northern states.
As I bought a bag of Kit Kats and Twix yesterday, I thought of trick or treaters, but did not have a soul come to the door. Oh, well, guess they will get eaten eventually, by me. If I had my grandson here, they would not last long. Twix are his favorites!
As I was going by a retention pond yesterday, I caught a flash of pink, and sure enough, a roseate spoonbill was preening himself. What a pretty color God gave them! As I drove to the park, I saw a great gray heron and several ibis pecking at the picnic tables. Not many people were there, but a few dog walkers were just arriving. The trees were showing signs of the wind, as there were small branches lying around that had been broken off. Looked like my front yard, which also has broken branches and twigs lying around. I swept off the porch and almost needed a shovel, it was so deep in acorns and trash from the trees! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I satisfy the deep longings of my life?
Matthew 6:31-33
Don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
When we seek the Lord and order our lives according to his priorities, everything else falls into proper perspective. We can trust him to provide all we need.
Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Psalm 37:4-5
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust him and he will help you.
Faith does not mean inaction. The Lord invites us to earnestly pursue our godly desires. As we do, he promises to lead us into joy and satisfaction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I bought a bag of Kit Kats and Twix yesterday, I thought of trick or treaters, but did not have a soul come to the door. Oh, well, guess they will get eaten eventually, by me. If I had my grandson here, they would not last long. Twix are his favorites!
As I was going by a retention pond yesterday, I caught a flash of pink, and sure enough, a roseate spoonbill was preening himself. What a pretty color God gave them! As I drove to the park, I saw a great gray heron and several ibis pecking at the picnic tables. Not many people were there, but a few dog walkers were just arriving. The trees were showing signs of the wind, as there were small branches lying around that had been broken off. Looked like my front yard, which also has broken branches and twigs lying around. I swept off the porch and almost needed a shovel, it was so deep in acorns and trash from the trees! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I satisfy the deep longings of my life?
Matthew 6:31-33
Don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
When we seek the Lord and order our lives according to his priorities, everything else falls into proper perspective. We can trust him to provide all we need.
Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Psalm 37:4-5
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust him and he will help you.
Faith does not mean inaction. The Lord invites us to earnestly pursue our godly desires. As we do, he promises to lead us into joy and satisfaction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Habits
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I know I am late again this morning...just moving slowly in this cool weather. But the sun is shining through the clouds and the wind has calmed from yesterday, so that's good! I had to run a couple errands yesterday and decided to treat myself to a half price milkshake at Steak and Shake, because I was thirsty.
I took the shake to the park and sat for a few minutes with the windows down, just enjoying the peace. Of course, the squirrels were running around everywhere, but I did not see any ibis or egrets. However, it was still a lovely day and I was glad to have that place to go for awhile.
I was watching all the pictures of the devastation in the eastern states, including NY. I just cannot imagine no subways, and this morning I heard that Manhattan is totally without power. The airport is still closed and I saw the picture of many cabs sitting in a flooded parking lot in NJ. Just incredible! Another tragedy is the sinking of the Bounty. I remember touring it when it was first anchored at the Pier, on its first trip here. The Captain, who is still missing is from here. Prayers go out to the people who have lost homes and will be rebuilding for months to come. But, through it all, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God help me cultivate good habits?
1 Timothy 4:7-9 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales.
Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical
exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises
a reward in both this life and the next.
1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self control. They do it for a prize that
will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
Godly habits--such as reading the Bible, praying and giving our time and
money in service-give us spiritual stamina, purpose, and direction for our lives.
They also help us keep our eyes on the eternal prize.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took the shake to the park and sat for a few minutes with the windows down, just enjoying the peace. Of course, the squirrels were running around everywhere, but I did not see any ibis or egrets. However, it was still a lovely day and I was glad to have that place to go for awhile.
I was watching all the pictures of the devastation in the eastern states, including NY. I just cannot imagine no subways, and this morning I heard that Manhattan is totally without power. The airport is still closed and I saw the picture of many cabs sitting in a flooded parking lot in NJ. Just incredible! Another tragedy is the sinking of the Bounty. I remember touring it when it was first anchored at the Pier, on its first trip here. The Captain, who is still missing is from here. Prayers go out to the people who have lost homes and will be rebuilding for months to come. But, through it all, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God help me cultivate good habits?
1 Timothy 4:7-9 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales.
Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical
exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises
a reward in both this life and the next.
1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self control. They do it for a prize that
will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
Godly habits--such as reading the Bible, praying and giving our time and
money in service-give us spiritual stamina, purpose, and direction for our lives.
They also help us keep our eyes on the eternal prize.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
How can I be Joyful in Hard Times?
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Sweater weather today! I added another blanket last night and was glad I did! While Sandy is still doing terrific damage in the east and now the midwest, we have blue skies and lots of chilly wind. But the sun is shining and it will warm up some, I'm sure.
Besides laundry yesterday, I did some cleaning out of cupboards, and reading, but not much else. I needed to do grocery shopping, so decided to go to Winn Dixie, since my cleaning lady and friend said she gets free gas from shopping there. Well, even though it is the closest of several supermarkets, I have never liked shopping at WD, and will not again for major stuff. I think they have raised the prices on most items I usually buy, just so they can offer free gas with some items...none of which I bought. Oh, well, lesson learned. I will continue my Publix and Sweetbay shopping, both of which are better stores. Of course, it could have been the awful choice of music that was blasting and the screaming voice of the singer(?) as well as the small people running around and screeching that made the shopping not a pleasure! Just call me an old fuddy duddy, but I think some control should be the parents responsibility. Enough said on that subject!
Later on, I visited the park and found peace and quiet there, even though the wind was blowing and not many people were in sight. The small gopher tortoise was racing ;o) around and the anhinga drying wings while on the weir were the familiar sights. Several tables had people eating and one was studying at a lone table. A good place for bookwork, except I would be looking at the scenery and the water as well as the trees with the moss swaying in the wind! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4, 12
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again...rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, and plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it , but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking. It is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Besides laundry yesterday, I did some cleaning out of cupboards, and reading, but not much else. I needed to do grocery shopping, so decided to go to Winn Dixie, since my cleaning lady and friend said she gets free gas from shopping there. Well, even though it is the closest of several supermarkets, I have never liked shopping at WD, and will not again for major stuff. I think they have raised the prices on most items I usually buy, just so they can offer free gas with some items...none of which I bought. Oh, well, lesson learned. I will continue my Publix and Sweetbay shopping, both of which are better stores. Of course, it could have been the awful choice of music that was blasting and the screaming voice of the singer(?) as well as the small people running around and screeching that made the shopping not a pleasure! Just call me an old fuddy duddy, but I think some control should be the parents responsibility. Enough said on that subject!
Later on, I visited the park and found peace and quiet there, even though the wind was blowing and not many people were in sight. The small gopher tortoise was racing ;o) around and the anhinga drying wings while on the weir were the familiar sights. Several tables had people eating and one was studying at a lone table. A good place for bookwork, except I would be looking at the scenery and the water as well as the trees with the moss swaying in the wind! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4, 12
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again...rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, and plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it , but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking. It is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, October 29, 2012
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Windy and brisk today! Last night I put a light blanket on the bed for the first time this fall and was I glad I did! The house has cooled down to about 70 and while that is nice to some people, it is chilly to me when I am sleeping! I hated to get out from under the covers !
I saw some interesting things this weekend. When I was going around Lynch Lake, I saw a woodstork actually eating something. I have only watched them as they just sit around all huddled up, looking discouraged. And very near above it was an osprey perched on a wire. I love seeing wildlife all around. When I was in the park, a beautiful white egret was curling its neck preening and a flock of ibis were swarming together pecking all around.
Friday evening I watched livestream the Cleveland Hi, Cleveland, TN. football team play their last game, but mostly I watched the band march and play, because Matthew beats the big bass drum. The picture is actually on Youtube simultaneously! And that band has been invited to Universal Studios in Dec. for the Macy's Christmas parade!. so Brian and I are planning to be there if all works out. That is something exciting to look forward to! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says,"I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
To often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God, our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Philippians 1:6
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete the work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw some interesting things this weekend. When I was going around Lynch Lake, I saw a woodstork actually eating something. I have only watched them as they just sit around all huddled up, looking discouraged. And very near above it was an osprey perched on a wire. I love seeing wildlife all around. When I was in the park, a beautiful white egret was curling its neck preening and a flock of ibis were swarming together pecking all around.
Friday evening I watched livestream the Cleveland Hi, Cleveland, TN. football team play their last game, but mostly I watched the band march and play, because Matthew beats the big bass drum. The picture is actually on Youtube simultaneously! And that band has been invited to Universal Studios in Dec. for the Macy's Christmas parade!. so Brian and I are planning to be there if all works out. That is something exciting to look forward to! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says,"I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
To often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God, our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Philippians 1:6
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete the work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A Word from Hebrews 4
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have overcast skies this morning, and a possibility of rain, which we haven't seen for a couple weeks or more. In fact, the street gutters are almost dried up in front, so that means it has been dry. When my handyman was here, he tried to shut off the water at the meter, but it was so full of water, that he could not see the valve!
I discovered that Checkers has a better fish sandwich than MacDonalds, which I told you about the other day. Someone should clue the food editor, or I think the art editor at the Times about it! I never eat the burgers at Checkers, but the fish sandwich is better, anyway. I stopped in there, after I had finished shopping and going to the park. Not many people were at the park, but the weather was gorgeous once again. I saw a family of moorhens which was really cute. The babies were carefully tended by mom and pa and all were in the water. I also saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch lake , where they love to hang out. Sunday afternoon, I saw the flock all taking a siesta, in the shade of a small tree. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is full of living power.
It is sharper than the sharpest knife,
cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.
It exposes us for what we really are.
Nothing in all creation can hide from him.
Everything is naked and exposed before his
eyes. This is the God to whom we must
explain all that we have done.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I discovered that Checkers has a better fish sandwich than MacDonalds, which I told you about the other day. Someone should clue the food editor, or I think the art editor at the Times about it! I never eat the burgers at Checkers, but the fish sandwich is better, anyway. I stopped in there, after I had finished shopping and going to the park. Not many people were at the park, but the weather was gorgeous once again. I saw a family of moorhens which was really cute. The babies were carefully tended by mom and pa and all were in the water. I also saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch lake , where they love to hang out. Sunday afternoon, I saw the flock all taking a siesta, in the shade of a small tree. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is full of living power.
It is sharper than the sharpest knife,
cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.
It exposes us for what we really are.
Nothing in all creation can hide from him.
Everything is naked and exposed before his
eyes. This is the God to whom we must
explain all that we have done.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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